Maryland HB449 mandates legal counsel for children during custodial interrogations by law enforcement.

Maryland HB449, the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act, requires law enforcement officers to ensure children have consulted with an attorney before conducting custodial interrogations. The attorney must be retained by the child's parent, guardian, or provided by the Office of the Public Defender. The interrogation must be recorded unless impractical or unsafe, and the officer must make a reasonable effort to notify the child's custodian. The law also mandates the Office of the Public Defender to develop policies for attorney consultation and to publish information on available attorneys.

Maryland HB449 mandates legal counsel for children during custodial interrogations by law enforcement.

Maryland HB449, the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act, requires law enforcement officers to ensure children have consulted with an attorney before conducting custodial interrogations. The attorney must be retained by the child's parent, guardian, or provided by the Office of the Public Defender. The interrogation must be recorded unless impractical or unsafe, and the officer must make a reasonable effort to notify the child's custodian. The law also mandates the Office of the Public Defender to develop policies for attorney consultation and to publish information on available attorneys.